The 2009 Ford Flex has aced the National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s frontal- and side-impact crash tests, receiving the highest five-star rating for both tests, Ford announced today. The Flex went on to earn four-star rollover ratings in both front- and all-wheel drive versions.
Ford also claims it builds more five-star rated vehicles than any automaker, and the Flex’ standard-issue dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring, traction and stability control systems helped the crossover vehicle earn the high marks. The body structure is made of aluminum-coated boron steel, and the chassis is shared with the Ford Taurus and Taurus X, both of which also received 5-star ratings.
The five-star rating means the crash test dummy belted into the front seat will be 10 percent or less likely to suffer a serious head injury than a four-star rated vehicle at an impact into a fixed barrier with the vehicle moving at 35mph. The side impact test involves a 3,015 barrier hitting the side of the vehicle at 38.5mph, and translates to a 5 percent or smaller chance of suffering a serious injury by both front and rear seat occupants.
